Management of recurrent pleural effusions with a tunneled catheter

Heart Lung. 2010 Jul-Aug;39(4):314-8. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2009.08.006. Epub 2009 Dec 11.

Abstract

Recurrent pulmonary effusions are commonly seen in patients with end-stage diseases. Traditional treatment modalities have required several days of hospitalization or frequent invasive procedures. Drainage with a tunneled pulmonary catheter can provide symptom palliation and resolution of the effusion without activity restriction or hospitalization.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / methods*
  • Drainage / instrumentation*
  • Drainage / methods
  • Humans
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant / pathology
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant / therapy*
  • Secondary Prevention